VDR

Use Voyage Data Recorder to record and play NMEA files.

• Source: Github Nohal Repository, use Packaging Branch[1619]
• Source: Github Seth-dart Original Repository[1620]
• Download: Website Download[1621]
• Forum: VDR Plugin Thread[1622]

• Use VDR for AIS Simulation - Run VDR to play AIS NMEA files. Or… use the VDR plugin to record your passages and replay them later! The VDR is also great for testing NMEA sentences, the Dashboard and new OpenCPN features. These are just a few examples, of how to use this versatile plugin.
• When VDR is activated in ToolBar→Options→Plugins→VDR, two Buttons appears in the ToolBar

• The left button is for recording, and leads to a “Choose file” dialog to select the file to record to. A file with a .txtfile extension works well.
• The right button is for playing an existing file, and also leads to a dialog where the file must be selected. Once selected VDR starts to play the file,the smalldialog below shows on the screen.
• 
• You can control the speed with the upper slider. Far left is slow, natural speed, while moving the slider to the far right equals fast forwarding. Please note that the setting under options/ships/calculate SOG will impact which SOG values are shown when playing fast forwarding.
• The lower part of the dialog shows the progress.
• When recording, the VDR plugin includes all NMEA data available on the internal bus in OpenCPN. Even data not recognized or used by OpenCPN will be recorded. Everything (almost) in the ToolBar→Connections→NMEA debug window will be included.
• In other words. The VDR records everything from all ports and does not participate in the downstream multiplexer filter or priority scheme. That way, a VDR recording may be played back, experimenting with various filters and priorities if desired.
• If you are playing a file with the VDR at the same time, even that data will be included. So it is possible to play and record at the same time!

• To get started, download this file[1623]. Save and un-zip and you have a .txt file. The file is ready to play.
• If you can't find the boat, have a look in the Adriatic or just press the “Auto Follow”, or press F2. The view will now center on the action.

opencpn:manual:nmea-debug-dsc.png

• The VDR shows up as “PlugIn Virtual” in the NMEA Debug Window.

Uncheck “Calculate SOG” option in Preferences. See Playback from recorded file[1624]